You will cherish exploring Pemba Island, both on land and in the water.  See aquatic species whilst diving or snorkelling and terrestrial species around your private beach retreat, in the mangroves and in the protected Ngezi Forest.

Location & size:

Pemba island lies north of Zanzibar island, 50km from the mainland.  The lifestyle of local Pembans is relaxed and their culture remains largely undiscovered.  This island is renowned for its peoples’ knowledge of traditional healing methods. 

Landscapes & Vegetation:

Despite its geographical proximity to Zanzibar, Pemba island is relatively remote and rarely visited by tourists.  Pemba is also one of the ‘spice islands’, and continues to produce cloves on its fertile hilly terrain.  The western shore of Pemba is hillier than the rest of the island and has small steep hills and deep valleys.  The isolated island of Pemba has an irregular coastline and is fringed by spectacular, unspoilt white sandy beaches that are perfect for snorkelling off. 

Beach & Underwater:

Colonised by lush coral and sponge gardens, Pemba’s clear aquamarine waters are ideal for snorkelling and diving.  You can go snorkelling in the clear warm waters off the beach at the retreat and when you visit nearby Misali Island Marine Sanctuary.  If you are feeling disinclined to move, you can lie on the beach and soak up the sun.  In the evenings enjoy have sundowners and candlelit meals on the beach.

With visibility often reaching more than 40m, Pemba is a photographers’ and underwater naturalists’ paradise.  Pemba is separated from the mainland by a channel deeper than 1000m and offers some of the best diving anywhere in the world.  The waters off Pemba are rich with marine life – ranging from coral gardens & vertical coral walls that support thousands of species of colourful reef fish to large pelagic fish including schools of hammerhead sharks and the magnificent manta rays.  In the rich, deep waters, manta and eagle rays, barracuda, giant 2m groupers and Green & Hawksbill turtles often cruise past.  A myriad of marine life occurs here, and the closer you look the more you will find.

On Land and Ngezi Forest:

Pemba Island has a high level of endemism including mammals, birds and reptiles.  The forest is alive with wildlife and has a lush jungle-like canopy with thick cover on the forest. When you visit the protected Ngezi forest, you will see colonies of the endemic Pemba Flying Fox (bats).  Vervet monkeys and tree hyraxes both have subspecies endemic to the Island.  There are 4 species of endemic birds, including the Pemba scops owl and Pemba sunbird; and 5 species of endemic reptiles, including the Pemba day gecko and Pemba marsh snake. 

You can explore the mangrove forests around the retreat on Pemba, both on foot and via canoes.  African fish eagles circle overhead, searching for food, whilst brown headed parrots shriek in the forests.  Egrets, Ibis and herons all hunt for invertebrates in the shallow intertidal pools left behind by the receding tide.  

Birding on Pemba - more info

Herping on Pemba - more info

Visit Pemba Island after a Tanzania Safari: